This programme equips students with the principles, curriculum knowledge and pedagogical understanding with which to begin their teaching careers as competent professionals. The programme is responsive to the changing contexts of primary education, offering student teachers opportunities to engage critically with the interface between society and education.

As with any professional course, the Graduate Diploma is intensive and requires a considerable commitment from students. It is also a rewarding and interesting experience and you will find that you have been comprehensively prepared for your teaching career.

Structure and scheduling

The course usually runs from early February to mid-June of the following year. Students spend 15 weeks in total on Teaching Practice (TP) and attend 30 weeks of lectures. Students also attend a mandatory course in a Gaeltacht region. This can be taken as two 2-week blocks during Easter Vacations or as one 3-week block in July of the first year.

There are three compulsory components: Taught Education Modules; TeachingPractice and Gaeilge Ghairmiúil. Each of the three semesters includes work in thetheoretical disciplines of history, psychology, philosophy and sociology as well asthe study of school-life, teaching and the primary school curriculum. The range ofimaginative and engaging work teaching methods students will experience includes fieldwork, role-play, laboratory work and art portfolios.

Minimum Entry Requirements

Applicants must have the following academic qualifications:

An honours Bachelor degree (level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications)

or a major award at level 9 or a major award at level 10 on the National Framework of Qualifications, and

one of the following sets of second level qualifications:

(i) in the Leaving Certificate Examination from 1969 onwards:

a grade C3 or above in Higher Level Irish; a grade D3 or above in Mathematics (Ordinary or Higher level); and a grade C3 or above in English (Ordinary level) or grade D3 or above in English (Higher level);

(ii) in the Leaving Certificate Examination prior to 1969, Honours in Irish and passes in English and Mathematics; or

(iii) in the Northern Ireland GCSE and GCE A Level Examinations: a Grade C at GCE A Level Irish; a Grade C at GCSE Level in both English and English Literature or Grade B at GCSE Level in either; and a Grade D at GCSE Level in Additional Mathematics or a Grade C at GCSE Level in Mathematics.

Applicants must provide evidence to the Colleges of Education that their honours Bachelor Degree is placed at level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications. Holders of a major award at level 9 or a major award at level 10 must also provide evidence of their award’s position on the NFQ. This should be included with the completed application form.

Alternatives to second level qualifications in Irish, English or Mathematics

A Pass in a University First Arts Examination in Irish, English or Mathematics will be accepted in lieu of the Leaving Certificate Examination / GCE / GCSE requirement for the relevant subject.

In the case of Irish, a Grade C in the Matriculation Examination (which existed up to 1992) will also be accepted in lieu of the Leaving Certificate Examination / GCE / GCSE requirement. In addition, the following are accepted as satisfying the Leaving Certificate Examination / GCE / GCSE requirement.

In the case of Mathematics, a Pass in that subject in the Matriculation Examination will also be accepted in lieu of the Leaving Certificate Examination / GCSE requirement.

Why study with us

At the heart of educational endeavour in Ireland since 1875, St Patrick’s College is an internationally recognised centre of excellence in teacher education. The College, situated on a beautiful mature campus in the north city centre, has excellent facilities. There is an extensive well-stocked and professionally administered library, state-of-the-art language laboratory resources, facilities in IT that sustain a growing portfolio of online and blended courses, and well-maintained teaching and learning spaces.